Pages

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Boundaries of the Physical

Our eternal God became a man, talk about physical limitations. He surrendered his omnipotence to become a servant, and his omnipresence to seek and save those who are lost. The Bible helps us to understand why our Lord would choose this route, but I don’t think our minds can fully understand all the eternal implications behind this great event.

While Jesus physically walked the earth, he submitted to the same boundaries that we are bound to, whereby he could identify with our weakness and frailty. That should bring comfort to those whose lives are so full with raising a family and caring for the needs of everyone the Lord brings across their path.

The Lord truly knows how it feels to be tired, hungry, pulled,pushed, hassled and not given a moments peace. More than once his ministry took a toll on him and his disciples. (Mark 6:30-34). The scriptures note that Jesus often sought refuge alone to pray. (Mark 6:45-46) If Jesus needed that time of refreshment, we do also.

I have known many dedicated; loving Christians who refuse to take a break, thinking it is a weakness and not a godly attitude to say they are overwhelmed. Sadly, some of those have walked away from serving because of extreme burnout.

I have also known those whose devotion is so strong, and have become so caught up in serving, that they neglect their families. Years down the road, they may lose their most precious from gifts of God, their children. Unfortunately the Bible calls this “walking in the flesh” seeking our own ways of serving God.

Finding balance in ministry is the key to a life filled to overflowing joy the Lord wants us to have. In that balance, we will produce godly fruit and have more of an impact on the world around us. Remember it is “the good things he has planned for us” (Ephesians 2:10), not the things we want to do.

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33 KJV). The Lord knows that the balance of a fulfilling life is dependent on our relationship with him. He wants our lives to be joyful, not a painful pilgrimage.

1 comment:

So true about the burnout. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt! Some of us don't learn to pace ourselves until we reach an age where we can't physically keep up anymore. Parts start wearing out, stress takes it toll on our health, etc. I'm starting to learn... finally. :/ The hard way.